Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Margaret Gates.
Hi Mary, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
From a young age, I knew I wanted to be a performer. My first role was a bumblebee at the age of 3, and with it, my love for the stage had begun. My passion for performing continued to grow through middle and high school, and I knew that I wanted this to be a big part of my life. My dream was to go to school in New York and perform professionally, so as soon as I graduated high school, I left my hometown of Dallas, TX, and headed up to New York with big ambitions and 6 suitcases. I studied Musical Theatre at Circle in the Square Theatre School in the heart of Manhattan and from there began to audition and work as a performer in the city… During my time in NYC, I also became certified as a Life Coach, went through Voice Teacher Training with New York Vocal Coaching, and nannied for a family on the Upper West Side. 4 years and 4 apartments later, I decided that my time in New York had come to an end. I craved a simpler way of life, I missed my family, and so I decided to head back to Texas.
When I got back to Dallas, I got an opportunity to be a Teaching Artist at a local children’s theater. I taught dance, acting, and singing lessons at the theater. After two years, I decided to go out on my own and start my own business. In the beginning, I taught virtual voice and acting lessons out of my apartment and rented studio space to teach dance lessons. After a couple of years teaching a little bit of everything, I felt I was spreading myself too thin. I was burnt out and really felt called to focus on teaching singing and coaching performers on their mindset and helping them gain confidence, and that’s when my voice studio, Mary Margaret Voice launched! I now teach 1:1 voice lessons out of my home studio and help singers and performers ditch the self-doubt for good, show up confidently, and rely on tried and true, science-backed tools and techniques that will help them sing and perform feeling empowered and free on stage!
There’s nothing I love more than helping singers & performers realize that they have unlimited potential and to feel wildly confident in themselves, their voices, and in doing the things they dream of doing! I do this by creating a space where my students can come as they are, show up as their most authentic selves, and be supported and cared for! I am more than just a teacher – I am my student’s cheerleader, coach, and biggest fan! Voice lessons are way more than just singing technique – they’re a form of self-care, a place of collaboration, and a safe space to express ourselves!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Being an entrepreneur definitely comes with its ups and downs and many (MANY) learning curves! As an entrepreneur, I’m learning to master the art of the pivot. Pivoting when things don’t go as planned, pivoting when things don’t work the way you thought they would, pivoting when a new idea strikes, etc.! I went to school for Musical Theatre, not for business, so I’ve had to learn a lot about how to run a business over the past few years, but something my dad always encouraged me with was this… “Start before you’re ready!” And that I did.
I didn’t know a thing about having my own business when I went out on my own, but I’m so thankful that I started when I did! I am a big believer that we’re never done learning, but I am very proud of where my business is now and all that Mary Margaret Voice has become.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a voice teacher and coach, I am dedicated to helping singers & performers grow their confidence and be able to sing the way they want to! I help my students realize that they are wildly capable, have unlimited potential, and remind them that their dreams are 1000% possible!
Singing and performing has always been a huge part of my life and I have experienced firsthand how an unhealthy mindset, self-doubt, and low self-esteem can slow you down from pursuing your dreams and goals. My students are given tools and techniques to help them get out of their own way, release limiting beliefs that are holding them back, be kinder to themselves, and sing in a way that feels good to them.
I also host a Podcast called Voice Stories, where I get to talk to singers & artists about all things voice, vocal care, mindset, artistry, and more! My most recent guest on the podcast being the incredible performer, voice coach, and global sensation Natalie Weiss. You can check it out on Spotify and Apple Music now!
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Some of my favorite childhood memories were ones where my dad would take me, my brother, and my sister out of town for the day. We wouldn’t have any plan as to where we were going – at least that’s what me and my siblings thought – it was an adventure! We’d stop in old little West Texas towns, grab a bite of lunch at an old BBQ joint, walk the old railroad tracks, and stop in little general stores! My Dad always made these trips exciting and fun for us and reminded us that sometimes the inspiration you need comes when you get out of your natural habitat and see life from a different perspective, even if it’s just a town away.
Contact Info:
- Website: marymargaretgates.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/marymargaretvoice
Image Credits
Hannah Hagaman
